Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hutto, TX (2024 Update)
- Hutto Solar Installation Cost: $17,549
- 25-Year Savings: $22,240
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hutto
We break down average solar pricing in Hutto.
In Hutto, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,549 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Hutto depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hutto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,116 |
| 3 years | $-13,251 |
| 5 years | $-10,385 |
| 7 years | $-7,520 |
| 9 years | $-4,655 |
| 11 years | $-1,790 |
| 13 years | $1,076 |
| 15 years | $3,941 |
| 17 years | $6,806 |
| 19 years | $9,672 |
| 21 years | $12,537 |
| 23 years | $15,402 |
| 25 years | $18,268 |
Top Solar Installers in Hutto
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hutto, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Hutto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hutto
The cost of installing a solar system in Hutto can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hutto to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hutto, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,477 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,676 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,061 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,633 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,391 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,336 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,467 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $54,784 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Hutto, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hutto?
The average cost of solar panels in Hutto is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hutto?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.